Operation Safeway, which ran from 25 November to 10 January in response to a series of cycling deaths across the capital, saw 2,500 officers targeting 170 of London’s most dangerous junctions.

Safeway was extended for an extra week from 3 January as commuters returned to work. In total 4,269 FPNs/reports for summons were issued to cyclists and 10,140 to motorists, in both cases most commonly for jumping red lights, as well as cycling without lights at night and driving while using a mobile phone.

Those on bikes received 4,269 FPNs or reports for summons in total; 1,277 for contravening traffic signals, 1,608 for cycling without lights at night (though many of these were cancelled when cyclists subsequently produced lights) and 1,057 for cycling on a footway.

Those driving received 10,140 FPNs or reports for summons in total; 1,113 for contravening traffic signals, 2,597 for using a phone while driving, 2,484 for failing to wear a seatbelt and 93 for driving without due care. A further 3,853 FPNs/summons were issued for ‘other’ offences including driving without insurance or with a vehicle fault.

The London Cycling Campaign’s Charlie Lloyd was among campaigners from the CTC and RoadPeace as well as Green Party London Assembly Member Jenny Jones who, though they welcomed the operation, shared concerns over advice given to cyclists.

Lloyd said: “In several cases cyclists have been given penalties for crossing the white line at a cyclist’s ASL [advanced stop line] safety zone when they are trying to create safe space in front of a motor vehicle occupying the ASL box. Recently the Crown Prosecution Service dropped their case against cyclist Alex Paxton in a similar situation.”

He added: “The police have been promoting the use of cycle helmets and hi-vis clothing where there is scant evidence that these have any effect in reducing the type of casualties seen on London streets. Increased use of helmets and hi-vis should not be seen as a measure of success for Operation Safeway.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Glyn Jones of the MPS Road Traffic Unit, said in the eight week operation he has seen attitudes change on London’s roads, along with a decline in the rate of FPNs and notices handed out, adding spot checks and education at junctions will continue.

DCS Jones said: “Our aim was to have a sharp and intense period of enforcement and education which would quickly prompt people to behave more safely on the roads.

“One of the most significant factors in whether this change is maintained will be if people continue to act legally and safely on the roads. Remember, nothing is worth risking yours or another’s life on the road,” he added.

The Mayor’s Cycling Commissioner, Andrew Gilligan, said: “This operation has been hugely valuable – exposing and deterring significant levels of law-breaking and dangerous road use by all groups, and almost certainly saving life and limb.

“In the last eight weeks we have not seen one cyclist killed on London’s roads and dangerous behaviour has clearly dropped. We want to build on this operation, in tandem with our improvements to infrastructure, and ensure that we continue to see better behaviour from everyone on London’s roads.”

I wasn’t stopped, but I did stop thank them several times for the great job they were doing. I just hope they keep it up.

Ken Evans

This “operation” was the result of another death at Bow Roundabout. So have any changes actually been made to Bow Roundabout ??

Robert

Quote “Those on bikes received 1,057 [Fixed penalty notices] for cycling on a footway.”…………………. I wonder if those FPN’s were handed out in accordance with Home Office guidelines? When FPN’s were introduced Home Office Minister Paul Boeteng issued a letter stating…………………………..’The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and who show consideration to other pavement users when doing so. Chief police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required.’…………………….This guidance has been reiterated by John Crozier of the Home Office who in a letter dated 23/02/04 (Ref T5080/4) with reference to the use of FPNs by Community Support Officers’s Stated…………………….’The Government have included provision in the Anti Social Behaviour Bill to enable CSOs and accredited persons to stop those cycling irresponsibly on the pavement in order to issue a fixed penalty notice. I should stress that the issue is about inconsiderate cycling on the pavements. The new provisions are not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of the traffic, and who show consideration to other road users when doing so. Chief officers recognise that the fixed penalty needs to be used with a considerable degree of discretion and it cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16.

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